Sunday, January 22, 2017

Note: This story was broadcast a year ago but JJ thought it was worth posting on the second anniversary of Mr. Gorman's death.

WLBT interviewed the family of the late John Gorman. Mr. Gorman was a Gaming Commission Special Agent who was killed two years ago yesterday when an instructor shot him in the chest during a training exercise. No one has been charged in the death. Instructor Robert Sharp claimed he thought his Glock was unloaded when he fired the weapon in an exercise that was supposed to only use "dummy" weapons. Watch the interview below.

Is it possible that he was shot to cover up wrongdoing by others who may have been involvedin illegal gambling or taking hush money to allowillegal gaming or any other situation. Hearing thewhole thing is sounds like the killer was quiet anxious toengage him. This does not sound like carelessness or any typeof accident. Read between the lines here--it may be ugly.

2:21 its also POSSIBLE that the dead guy had a photo of the killer engaging with a goat. Outside message boards/blogs, and inside courtrooms and grand jury rooms, you need an item called EVIDENCE, not mere speculation...

Anyone who knows the history of the Gaming Commission knows that its been run by a bunch of fools who were in the back pocket of the industry and never intended to enforce either the regulations for the casinos or laws related to illegal gambling. The last real leader they had was General Paul Harvey, who took the Commission's law enforcement mission seriously; since he retired, Chuck Patton, Larry Gregory and Alan Godfrey and the idiots they have appointed have done everything in their power to create an unsafe environment for their agents.

I can tell you this, 2:47, that if the family could get one second in court . . . have one second of discovery . . . or get one second of someone's attention they would by now HAVE some evidence. But this keeps getting pushed farther and farther out. Sharp is now "retired" and has never so much as sent a postcard to offer his condolences to the family. John's death was filed as worker's comp. and the attorney general has declared immunity for the state since it happened "on the job".

This story aired a year ago and there has been a lot more recent news with relation to family's lawsuit, etc. Do I think the gaming commission needs new leadership, or should be dissolved and consolidated with the department of revenue (where it started)? Absolutely yes. Do I think that Sharp acted intentionally when he shot Gorman? Absolutely no. This was a case where safety was willfully ignored, reasonable and appropriate precautions were not taken not only to protect the agents involved in the exercise, but the people working in other offices in the strip mall. And most importantly, one individual's ego forever affected the lives and future of the Gorman family.

This was not a case of complacency, it was willful negligence. A person with Sharp's background should have known the risks of his actions, he should have known that introducing a live weapon into a training environment would get somebody killed. While Sharp pulled the trigger, the real blame lies with the gaming commission and its history of tolerance for unsafe practices.

What instructor would point a loaded weapon at another person AND pull the trigger. You NEVER point a gun at anyone unless you intend to shoot them. There is definitely something wrong here and there are a lot of people trying to cover it up and it's going all the way to the AG. Maybe Gorman knew something or found something by accident that jeopardized too many people.

2:47--Nice deflect but no goat was involved. A man not involved in the training inserts himself, pulls an agency owned weapon while acting irrationally and puts one through the lead investigator. I am not saying its a murder but the killer was not a beginner gunman. When you look at his knowledge and background, it does seem like a good setup to assassinate and call it an accident. I do see your point though--deflect by hollaring goat . Go try that with folk who go away easily.

A poor, slanted investigation was done by the MS Bureau of Investigations. Due to this Robert Sharp was not indited by Tunica County DA. No investigation was ever done on Robert Sharp. Robert "Bob" Sharp stated it was an accident so they never looked any deeper despite request and additional information from the family. A toxicology was done on John but never on Robert Sharp, this is only one example of the poor job that was done. The MS Bureau of Investigations refuses to reopen the case to investigate further even though they did not do a proper investigation to begin with. It apprears employees of this state are trying to cover something up. Something needs to be done to help this family. Someone needs to step up and force a decision to reopen the investigation.

Assuming it was an accident, what possible excuse is given for a trained firearms expert pointing what he thought to be an empty weapon (or one without live rounds) at a man and pulling the trigger? In what scenario does a weapons trainer do something like that, in the first place, ever?

Nobody here should be surprised that a proper investigation wasn't done, did the investigator have any experience working these types of cases? It is also my understanding that the investigator who worked on this case was fired not too soon after for some sort of improper political relationship with the DA (who also did no investigation). That alone is reason for a new investigation. Did the gaming commission do an internal investigation? And if they did, what were those findings? I can't believe they didn't do a tox screen on Sharp, this is required for even the smallest of incidents. Perhaps the state was relying on the family being distracted by shock and grief to keep them pursuing the truth.

The governor (who loves to tout his career in law enforcement) should step up for this fallen officer and demand that the case is reopened so the family can get some answers.

Know the Law at 5:00, your comment might (emphasizing might) in a private situation. Here, the gaming commission and its employees are protected by the Mississippi Tort Claims Act as a political subdivision and are immune from liability with a few exceptions. However, since the family is entitled to workers comp benefits, 11-46-9(l)mandates that the gaming commission shall not be liable for any other claim. Unfortunately, workers comp is the only remedy here. The state has already filed motions to dismiss the family's tort claim. The case is pending in federal court in oxford before Judge Mills (I think).

10:02, where do federal gambling laws apply in this situation? This is a case of manslaughter with culpable negligence on both the part of the agency and the individual. The feds should get involved because it seems that the state can't investigate its way out of a paper sack.

Thank you Albert Santa Cruz and the MHP for "thoroughly" investigating this case and ignoring the implicit bias demonstrated by the MBI agent (you didn't re-assign, or re-investigate the case even when this was pointed out to you) ---- I'm so glad to see you go you lazy, sad sack of shit.

It is very hard to understand how a man who was attacked by a criminal destroying his property can be charged with murder and no investigation done on a man who pulled a gun and killed another man for no reason.

From the minute John was killed, his family has been treated like shit by the commission. They had no idea how to handle such a crisis, they provided his widow with excuses and misinformation, and continue to refuse to provide her with the answers she deserves. They had an agent sit with Sharp 24/7, but nobody was sent to John's widow's house to see if she needed anything. The law enforcement elements of the funeral were planned by former commission employees to make sure that John received his proper honors and the highway patrol's honor guard did an amazing job and the commission did NOTHING.

The circumstances of the shooting, plus the mysterious hour-long delay in getting the victim to the hospital, tell me everything I need to know. There are reasons why Mississippi is listed as 'The Most Corrupt State'.

Gorman could have been to definitive care within 30 minutes (just google the map), they should have put him in an agency vehicle immediately and done an EMS intercept on the way to the hospital. The family deserves answers.

Who is the Hottest Reporter in Jackson?

Trollfest '09

Trollfest '07 was such a success that Jackson Jambalaya will once again host Trollfest '09. Catch this great event which will leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Othor Cain and his band, The Black Power Structure headline the night while Sonjay Poontang returns for an encore performance. Former Frank Melton bodyguard Marcus Wright makes his premier appearance at Trollfest singing "I'm a Sweet Transvestite" from "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." Kamikaze will sing his new hit, “How I sold out to da Man.” Robbie Bell again performs: “Mamas, don't let your babies grow up to be Bells” and “Any friend of Ed Peters is a friend of mine”. After the show, Ms. Bell will autograph copies of her mug shot photos. In a salute to “Dancing with the Stars”, Ms. Bell and Hinds County District Attorney Robert Smith will dance the Wango Tango.

Wrestling returns, except this time it will be a Battle Royal with Othor Cain, Ben Allen, Kim Wade, Haley Fisackerly, Alan Lange, and “Big Cat” Donna Ladd all in the ring at the same time. The Battle Royal will be in a steel cage, no time limit, no referee, and the losers must leave town. Marshand Crisler will be the honorary referee (as it gives him a title without actually having to do anything). Meet KIM Waaaaaade at the Entergy Tent. For five pesos, Kim will sell you a chance to win a deed to a crack house on Ridgeway Street stuffed in the Howard Industries pinata. Don't worry if the pinata is beaten to shreds, as Mr. Wade has Jose, Emmanuel, and Carlos, all illegal immigrants, available as replacements for the it. Upon leaving the Entergy tent, fig leaves will be available in case Entergy literally takes everything you have as part of its Trollfest ticket price adjustment charge.

Donna Ladd of The Jackson Free Press will give several classes on learning how to write. Smearing, writing without factchecking, and reporting only one side of a story will be covered. A donation to pay their taxes will be accepted and she will be signing copies of their former federal tax liens. Ms. Ladd will give a dramatic reading of her two award-winning essays (They received The Jackson Free Press "Best Of" awards.) "Why everything is always about me" and "Why I cover murders better than anyone else in Jackson".

In the spirit of helping those who are less fortunate, Trollfest '09 adopts a cause for which a portion of the proceeds and donations will be donated: Keeping Frank Melton in his home. The “Keep Frank Melton From Being Homeless” booth will sell chances for five dollars to pin the tail on the jackass. John Reeves has graciously volunteered to be the jackass for this honorable excursion into saving Frank's ass. What's an ass between two friends after all? If Mr. Reeves is unable to um, perform, Speaker Billy McCoy has also volunteered as when the word “jackass” was mentioned he immediately ran as fast as he could to sign up. In order to help clean up the legal profession, Adam Kilgore of the Mississippi Bar will be giving away free, round-trip plane tickets to the North Pole where they keep their bar complaint forms (which are NOT available online). If you don't want to go to the North Pole, you can enjoy Brant Brantley's (of the Mississippi Commission on Judicial Performance) free guided tours of the quicksand field over by High Street where all complaints against judges disappear. If for some reason you are unable to control yourself, never fear; Judge Houston Patton will operate his jail where no lawyers are needed or allowed as you just sit there for minutes... hours.... months...years until he decides he is tired of you sitting in his jail. Do not think Judge Patton is a bad judge however as he plans to serve free Mad Dog 20/20 to all inmates.

Trollfest '09 is a pet-friendly event as well. Feel free to bring your dog with you and do not worry if your pet gets hungry, as employees of the Jackson Zoo will be on hand to provide some of their animals as food when it gets to be feeding time for your little loved one.

Relax at the Fox News Tent. Since there are only three blonde reporters in Jackson (being blonde is a requirement for working at Fox News), Megan and Kathryn from WAPT and Wendy from WLBT will be on loan to Fox. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both and a torn-up Obama yard sign will entitle you to free drinks served by Megan, Wendy, and Kathryn. Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required. Just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '09 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.Note: Security provided by INS.

Trollfest '07

Jackson Jambalaya is the home of Trollfest '07. Catch this great event which promises to leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Sonjay Poontang and his band headline the night with a special steel cage, no time limit "loser must leave town" bout between Alan Lange and "Big Cat"Donna Ladd following afterwards. Kamikaze will perform his new song F*** Bush, he's still a _____. Did I mention there was no referee? Dr. Heddy Matthias and Lori Gregory will face off in the undercard dueling with dangling participles and other um, devices. Robbie Bell will perform Her two latest songs: My Best Friends are in the Media and Mama's, Don't Let Your Babies Grow up to be George Bell. Sid Salter of The Clarion-Ledger will host "Pin the Tail on the Trial Lawyer", sponsored by State Farm.

There will be a hugging booth where in exchange for your young son, Frank Melton will give you a loooong hug. Trollfest will have a dunking booth where Muhammed the terrorist will curse you to Allah as you try to hit a target that will drop him into a vat of pig grease. However, in the true spirit of Separate But Equal, Don Imus and someone from NE Jackson will also sit in the dunking booth for an equal amount of time. Tom Head will give a reading for two hours on why he can't figure out who the hell he is. Cliff Cargill will give lessons with his .80 caliber desert eagle, using Frank Melton photos as targets. Tackleberry will be on hand for an autograph session. KIM Waaaaaade will be passing out free titles and deeds to crackhouses formerly owned by The Wood Street Players.

If you get tired come relax at the Fox News Tent. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both will entitle you to free drinks.Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required, just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '07 is for EVERYONE!!!